2 die as thunderstorms sweep North Carolina

Published: Friday, June 14, 2013 at 7:23 a.m.

Last Modified: Friday, June 14, 2013 at 7:23 a.m.

WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. (AP) — Two people have died as a line of thunderstorms swept across North Carolina.

Authorities say a volunteer firefighter died in Wilkes County Thursday afternoon when he was electrocuted after responding to a small fire when a tree fell on power lines.

Wilkes County Fire Marshal Kevin Bounds says 36-year-old Tony Barker had joined the Mountain View Volunteer Fire Department last year. Fire Chief Bill Johnson says Barker was a dedicated firefighter who had a wife and a 3-year-old son.

Authorities say 77-year-old Maurice Kilby of Wilkes County died when a large tree fell on him in his yard. Officials say Kilby's wife found him and called for help but he had died by the time rescuers arrived.

No other serious injuries have been reported from the storms.

Reader comments posted to this article may be published in our print edition. All rights reserved. This copyrighted material may not be re-published without permission. Links are encouraged.